Los Angeles Faces Its Earthquake Threat

Scientists say it’s just a matter of time before the big one strikes Los Angeles, and when it does, the results could be catastrophic. Last year, however, the city started to get serious about seismic safety. With the help of USGS seismologist Lucy Jones, the mayor’s office has developed a plan to reduce risks and strengthen resilience. Read about the city’s efforts in my feature story for AGU’s Eos.

The San Andreas Fault, clearly visible in this Landsat image, poses a significant risk to the residents of Greater Los Angeles. (Credit: NASA/JPL/NIMA)